Round Up at Indian Hills

Part of Tad's and my ministry involvement this year has been with the Caravans program at Mission. Caravans is a Christian scouting organization similar to Awana. The kids earn badges to develop themselves physically (e.g. sports, archery, etc), mentally (e.g. astronomy), socially (e.g. entertaining), and spiritually (e.g. missions). They also learn the Nazarene articles of faith and participate in ministry projects. At the end of the year (the program runs September to May), the kids get to go to camp. They participate in all sorts of standard camp activities, put their memory work to the test, and receive awards for the year.

Tad and I have been helping with the 5th and 6th grade boys group, which has been very challenging at points. But, camp was fun.

It was held at Indian Hills camp in Jamul (east county San Diego). Much of the camp is OldWest themed, and, following in that theme, the kids sleep in cabins, tents, teepees, or covered wagons. This year Mission stayed in the covered wagons. The wagons are a very cool idea, and I felt very close to my pioneer roots, but they were pretty cramped and got cold at night. Oh well, such is the life whilst camping.

Here are some highlights from the weekend.

Tad and I were able to (just barely) snag rides with others headed out to camp. I rode with one of the missionary families currently on furlough. It was neat getting to chat more with the dad about what they're up to and where God is leading them in the next year or so. There was a bit of time to settle into our wagons once we arrived and then evening worship. I absolutely love worshipping outside. I feel it really adds to the experience to be looking at GOd's creation while worshipping him. Pastor Bev from our church was the speaker for the weekend. Her message centered on being "Ferocious, Fanatical, Faith-Filled Followers of Jesus Christ" taken from the story of Jesus healing the paralytic man who was lowered through the roof. Following the service there was hot chocolate and cookies and it was off to bed.

Saturday was a full day, started out with pancakes and eggs for breakfast and a morning worship service. The majority of the day was filled with rotations of typical camp activities. Our boys started out with archery, which Tad and I eagerly participated in. From there we moved to the derby car races. This was a little disappointing for our kids because their cars weren't waited, but everyone else's were. A lot of the Mission kids won prizes for design though, which was nice. Arts and Crafts followed derby cars. Tad and I took that opportunity to introduce Valencia to the tire swing on the playground. She wasn't really a fan. As soon as that rotation was up, it was time for lunch (chips and sandwiches). The boys had swim time next. Considering it was only about 70 outside, Tad and I skipped the pool, but the weather didn't stop any of the kids. Once they were dried off, we took them to the obstacle course and then to recite their memory work.

My favorite rotation of the day was the zipline. I had only once before gotten the opportunity to go on a zipline, and I chickened out. But not this time. It was a very scary feeling at first, but the second time was much more fun. The boys' last rotation of the day was soccer and sharks and minnoes on a sports field. Dinner was a bbq complete with burgers, hotdogs, and potato salad. The evening finished out with worship and awards for the drby car races and obstacle course and roasting marshmallows over a campfire.

Sunday we had cereal and pastries for breakfast and one last worship service. After the service they gave otu the memory awards and the completion of badges etc. Lots of our kids got memory awards. After that it was time to pack up the cars and head home. It was a long couple of days chasing after kids, but I think it was a great way to close out the year. I'm excited to start out our second year as Caravans leaders :)

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